Family:

Fabaceae

Glycine canescens

Silky Glycine

Other Names:

First Nations Name(s):

Regional Subspecies:

Occurrence:

Regional:

Noted west of the Olympic Highway in the areas: Narrandera- Morundah-Galore-Collingullie and Urangeline. Probably also in similar country elsewhere in region.

Habitat & Site Selection:

Various habitats, including skeletal soils in woodland. Generally observed only where grazing excluded. Tolerates moderate frost. 

Habit:

Small twiner with greyish hairs. Pinkish-purple or mauve flowers fading to blue all year, particularly Jul-Nov. Grows mostly over warmer months with rainfall.

Seed Collection:

Early Oct to late Feb. Monitor closely as seeds released very soon after maturity.

Propagation:

From scarified seed or cuttings. Pour boiling or very hot water over seeds and soak until water cools. Dry to prevent rotting and sow. Germination takes 3-4 weeks. Suitable for direct seeding in pots (2-3 seeds per pot).

VALUES:

Land Protection:

Legume — improves soil fertility through ‘fixing’ nitrogen.

Ornamental:

One of showiest Glycines. Plant to climb over garden logs and fences.

Other:

Heavily grazed by stock as nutritious and palatable.